PHILADELPHIA A transgender teenager who identifies as a girl said she was subject to constant abuse and discrimination during 18 months in the custody of the Department of Human Services.

At the Youth Study Center, the 16-year-old teen was placed in the boys' unit, where she said she was harassed by staff and residents despite a judge's order that she be addressed by her preferred female name and female pronouns.

This week, a national civil rights group filed a complaint on her behalf with the Commission on Human Relations alleging unlawful discrimination. The commission can enforce state antidiscrimination laws.